DEFRA rural award winner is no joke

NORTHANTS COMPANY Silly Jokes has triumphed in the rural section of the Department of Trade and Industry/InterForum E-Commerce Awards.

The company, which makes costumes and party accessories at its Silverstone base, won the Rural E-Business & Community Award, sponsored by DEFRA with media support from Farmers Weekly.

Phil Flaxton, InterForum chief executive, said: “Adopting new technology is no longer about setting up a website, establishing an online presence and building databases that contain all possible information. The awards demonstrate that technology is about integration, transformation and enhanced business processes.”

Shortlisted companies with agricultural connections included Riverford Organic Vegetables, Stavertown, South Devon (www.riverford.co.uk/en); Coast & Country Holidays (www.welsh-cottages.co.uk) and Old Mill Saddlery (www.saddlery.biz).